2014 holiday gift guide: Toddlers

It's unavoidable: the mad rush each holiday season to make sure you get something, anything, for the kids. But before you settle for the same old, same old, take a look at our lists for infants (0-12 months), toddlers (1-3 years), preschool age (3-5 years), elementary age (5-10 years) and tweens (10+ years).

It's chockfull of some of the hottest toys for 2014 (and a few holdovers from Christmases past). They've all been chosen with input from owners and managers at independently owned toy stores in the Chicago area. And best of all, they all come with a pretty price tag—$50 or less.

Just be sure to remember us when you're dubbed the “best parent ever.”

Scream-worthy and wallet-friendly gifts under $50 for kids ages 1-3.

Brio Magnetic Train, $19.99, 12m+

Just because its a classic doesnt mean it cant be cool. This train doesnt need a track, and the 11 magnetic pieces give an easy introduction to primary colors and shapes, not to mention the ever-popular world of choo-choos.

HABA My First Games Evening in the Stable, $14.99, 2+

Playing a game with a toddler can be an exercise in futility (or losing your sanity), but this one is designed with their abilities and attention span in mind. Kids help put all the animals in bed for the nightand hopefully wear themselves out in the process.

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Keepsakes rule

Meaningful, custom hand-stamped jewelry and Christmas ornaments created with names, dates or inspirational words from Vintage Pearl make great gifts. Save 20 percent off your order of $75 or more with the code ChiDEC20 (expires Dec. 31, 2014, and cannot be combined)

Ever wanted to build your own robot? The future is now with Tegu. These sustainably-sourced magnetic blocks (they come from Honduras) can be combined in any number of ways to create a robot friend. Theyre compatible with all other Tegu sets, too.

Your iPad already half-belongs to your toddler, so you might as well let them use it for good. These fun learning toys help kids interact with educational apps to learn language skills, develop spatial reasoning and become more creative.

Theres no shortage of building blocks in the world, but these colorful ones can connect by snapping top-to-bottom or side-to-side, plus they can rotate and slide. The big blocks are great for the littlest builders, while the standard blocks are best for when they stop putting things in their mouths.

You probably dont need a toy to make bathtime more fun, but it never hurts to have something in your back pocket. The activity center suctions to the tub so kids can play with the four sea creatures that fit in the holes and squirt water.

This isnt your average shape-sorter. The eight beechwood blocks each come with their own special features, like bells or kaleidoscopes, and the non-toxic stain means theyre safe for tots. Best of all, the sorter looks practically heirloom-quality.

Parenthood might be a puzzle, but its nothing compared to this one! Kids can build endless combinations with the help of puzzle pieces and colorful gears, and then see them work together in an early exposure to basic mechanics.

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Give them the magic of the stage

Ideal for all ages, Symphony of Clouds, by Margaret Larlham and directed by Ann Wakefield, will inspire your music and theater lovers. Follow the adventures in the life of young Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: boy genius, musical prodigy and gifted composer, Jan. 13-Feb. 21.